European EO data & model fusion (to maximise the value of ESA EO Data)

Alan O’Neill

National Centre for Earth Observation

Issues that have arisen

• Need to pull together science and applications.

• Emphasis on modelling and data assimilation.

• Need for monitoring.• Need for integration (e.g. Glob projects)• Need for infrastructure and support for

data access

Issues continued

• Support for re-analysis• Interface between data providers and

operational institutes.• Scattering of workforce• Difficulty of using in operations new,

interesting instruments• Value of synergy of observations• Need for validation systems

Issues continued

• Better Earth system approach

• Different levels of maturity of different disciplines in use of EO.

• GEMS as a model for European integration?

Welcome to Music World

High-tech SamplerWhat experts get What end-users want

Well-balanced high-quality blended music

Synthesis of tracks10 soundtracks

Vital to ensure Return On Investment!

Welcome to Digi World

What users get What end-users want

4D digital movie ofthe Earth System

High-tech Sampler

Level 2 forindividual sensor

Synthesis via Assimilation of EO data into Earth System Model

What is needed?

• Greater co-ordination of data assimilation activities in Europe

• Structure that draws on the distributed strengths of the European science community

• A means to integrate scientific and technical advances in an Earth system simulator (s)

• A support structure that allows that integration to occur and to be sustained.

• The aim to focus on high-level data processing for science and end-users – providing useful information rather than data.

• The specific goal will be to set up a structure in Europe, marshalling the resources of the university community and of other institutions

The Concept

• To provide ESA (and thereby its customers) with the equivalent of NASA’s Data Assimilation Office, but in a cost-effective manner, by– building on existing national infrastructure– tying in closely with operational d.a. (unlike the

DAO)– entraining additional funds (e.g. from EU)

• Concept envisages a European-wide entity, pulling together existing consortia

The Concept

The Concept

• The structure has the following goals:– The deliver high-level products from innovative ESA

and other instruments to scientific end users– To deliver the science and technology needed by

GMES – To provide the bridge from ESA innovation to

operational implementation by tying in to “operational centres” (e.g. ECMWF and national weather centres) helping to convert today’s innovative, science-led instruments to tomorrow’s operational instruments – i.e. a parallel and supporting activity to operational exploitation of EO

The Concept

– A key and under-exploited feature of d.a. is its ability to test climate (and other environmental) models stringently. Model uncertainty is a key issue in international debate about climate change. This activity should be strongly emphasised.

– The structure could organise high-level training in EO science and applications.

– The structure would provide the critical mass and partnerships needed to achieve the ambitious vision of earth system monitoring and prediction

Current Situation in Europe & What is Still Needed

• European expertise front rank

• Efforts fragmented, short term, unable to build critical mass

• We need more than a loose collaboration, but an operation managed as a centre with clear objectives and firm deliverables.

Structural and Infrastructural Issues

• Exploit and enhance existing capabilities in computer power and infrastructure, e.g. national resources.

• New technology allows us to emulate the organisational structure of an actual centre.

• ECMWF might play a key role in operational integration.

• ECMWF might provide– Remote use of its d.a. system, supported by externally

funded staff at ECMWF– High-performance computing.

The Way Forward?